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Bones Of St. Peter

The first full account of the search for the Apostle's body In the year A.D. 68, St. Peter was put to death in Rome as an enemy of the state. Roman law forbade him a proper burial and denied his friends even the right to recover his body, so few souls were able to learn his final resting place. For centuries, tradition held that to honor and preserve the mortal remains of this true Prince of the Apostles, St. Peter's Basilica had been built right over St. Peter's grave. Not, however, until 1939, did researchers, scholars, and scientists begin sustained, systematic efforts to discover the truth, an archaeological task that spanned 30 years. Carefully studying every known clue while literally unearthing others as they tunneled their way through a tangle of ancient structures beneath the magnificent high altar of St. Peter's, they slowly unraveled the secrets surrounding the burial of St. Peter. The Bones of Saint Peter is the engrossing true story of how these determined researchers finally solved the puzzle of St. Peter's burial and rescued his bodily remains from centuries of oblivion.

Paperback: 256 pages

Publisher: Sophia Institute Press (July 1, 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1933184752

ISBN-13: 978-1933184753

Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.6 x 8.5 inches

Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)

Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (24 customer reviews)

Walsh's book on this subject is arguably the best non-scholarly work available, better even than Professor Guarducci's own book (published in English translation in 1960 as "The Tomb of St Peter"). Walsh did his homework, writes clearly, provides helpful diagrams and interesting photographs. There are also references and bibliography which enable a more curious reader to pursue the subject further. Readers who have been conducted through the "scavi" beneath St Peter's will find this a wonderful clarification of what they saw, those who plan to visit them will find it an excellent preparation. But, a very strong warning. The electronic text is horribly riddled with typographical errors, at least one or two per page. Some of them are easy to decipher, and almost funny, e.g., "Pope Pius XH's admitted personal fascination" or "Imagine an immense square shaft ... twenty 'jam feet on a side." Others so badly mangle words and numbers that it is impossible to decipher the original, sometimes important, word or date. That readers should have to engage in such an exercise does no credit to the publishers, and if it is at first an annoyance, it soon becomes distracting and frustrating. If you really want to read the book, you'll be happier with a bound copy.

This is a terrific book that describes in detail how St. Peters remains were found under the high alter at St. Peters basilica. St. Peters as it is today replaced a previous church that stood for nearly 1,000 years and that his gravesite before that was a gathering place for the early Christians to meet and celebrate mass. It also gives that background to his burial on what was a common graveyard and how the grave markings were in "code" so that the roman authorities would not find and dispose of his body. On its own, it gives indisputable evidence that the early Christians followed St. Peters as the head of Christ's church on earth.

Very factual and accurate, revealing information I hadn't previously known. I recommend it highly for anyone interested in knowing the truth about the burial of St. Peter.

Very good book about Scavi excavations at the Vatican. I recommend it highly as it supplements the visit to the Vatican. Bones of St Peter is the best.

Very good and interesting story of the physical history of the Vatican, Constantine and Early Christianity. It assured me of Christianity's humble beginnings. Just a simple meeting room and Baptismal tank for immersion. Look what it has become.Recommended.

An absolutely wonderful and scholarly examination of the history of the burial and bones and crypt of St. Peter which are all exactly where they have been since Peter died in Rome in A.D. 65-66.Highly recommended for anyone who is interested in the history of the Catholic Church which has preserved Peter's burial site from the 1st century to our own.Loaded with informative details, photos, charts and sketches.It's on my list for a second reading some time in the future.

The book is used but in very good condition. I loved the book. If you plan on taking the actual tour at the Vatican I recommend reading this book before going. The tour will mean more with a little background beforehand.